Health & Science
Houston hospitals are seeing a COVID-19 uptick fueled by the omicron variant
Posted on · Houston Methodist has seen four times as many positive tests this week, and Memorial Hermann has noted more hospitalizations.
Tag: Coronavirus
inDepth
Staying safe from COVID-19 during the holidays isn’t a one size fits all approach
Posted on · As the holiday's approach, Dr. Bradley Lembcke, the chief medical officer at St. Luke's Health, gives advice on how to measure risks amid the pandemic.
Health & Science
Houston Methodist has identified 8 new cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant
Posted on · Methodist researchers identified the cases through its genome sequencing surveillance project.
Health & Science
A new Texas Children’s Hospital vaccine could receive overseas authorization this year, Dr. Peter Hotez says
Posted on · The vaccine would only be used in India at first before researchers look to get approval for other countries with low vaccination rates. They hope that means fewer variants in the future.
The Coronavirus in Greater Houston
The COVID-19 omicron variant is likely already spreading in Houston. Here’s how we know
Posted on · Health officials say the circumstances around how the variant was identified make it likely it's already prevalent in the community.
Health & Science
Texas steps up omicron tracking as first case surfaces in Harris County
Posted on · State health officials say they've anticipated the variant's arrival since it was first identified last month.
The Coronavirus in Greater Houston
The first case of the COVID-19 omicron variant in Texas has been identified in the Houston area
Posted on · Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed the news on Monday. It’s the first case in Texas.
Health & Science
Fauci says early reports about the COVID-19 omicron variant are encouraging
Posted on · President Biden’s chief medical adviser told CNN’s “State of the Union” scientists need more information before drawing conclusions about omicron’s severity. But reports from South Africa, where it emerged and is becoming the dominant strain, suggest hospitalization rates have not increased alarmingly.
The Coronavirus in Greater Houston
Omicron could be tougher against the COVID-19 vaccine than other variants, Rice research shows
Posted on · Gene Godbold, a scientist with Austin-based contractor Signature Science who has compiled a list of omicron’s mutations, spoke with Houston Public Media about what the research says about the new variant.
Health & Science
As omicron spreads, studies suggest that travel bans alone don’t do much good
Posted on · Public health experts warn that the rush to impose travel bans on southern African countries after the omicron variant was identified can work against scientific transparency.
Health & Science
Today is the deadline for federal workers to be vaccinated
Posted on · The White House says no disruptions to government operations are expected from the mandate, which President Biden issued in September. Federal contractors have a January deadline.
Health & Science
U.S. COVID cases start to rise again as the holidays approach
Posted on · After declining most of the fall, new infections are up again in more than half of U.S. states, worrying experts about what the holiday season may bring.
Health & Science
All vaccinated adults could soon be eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot
Posted on · The Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce later this week that it is authorizing boosters for people 18 or older, even if they aren't at risk for severe disease.
Health & Science
Biden’s vaccine rules for 100 million workers are here. Here are the details
Posted on · Companies with at least 100 employees must ensure their workers get a COVID-19 vaccine or undergo weekly testing. Some 17 million health care workers face a vaccine mandate, with no testing option.
The Coronavirus In Greater Houston
Harris County’s COVID-19 threat level was lowered again, amid a drop in key indicators
Posted on · Hidalgo last raised the COVID threat level in August, when the more transmissible delta variant caused a fourth wave of the pandemic across Texas. The county previously hit its highest threat level in June 2020, which lasted until May.